Dear Amin,

Thank you for your email. I wish you all success in preparing for ICANN82.

Here are some suggestions to help shape the session effectively.

Potential Speakers (List to select from)

For an insightful discussion, I believe in inviting speakers from within ICANN as well as external experts who have experience in previous rounds of the new gTLD Program.
1. ICANN Staff and ASP Experts

• Baher Esmat, ICANN VP for stakeholder engagement in the Middle East. He could offer perspectives on outreach and regional support for applicants.
• Karen Lentz, VP Policy Research & Stakeholder Programs. I guess she can oversee gTLD policy implementation and may have deep knowledge of the ASP and new gTLD processes.
• Xavier Calvez, ICANN’s CFO. He can provide insights into the financial aspects of ASP.

2. Community and Former new gTLDs Applicants

• Charles Shaban, The International Trademark Association (INTA). I think hearing from past applicants/registrars/operators, who have gone through the process (successful or not), would provide valuable real-world insights.
• It is also a good idea if there is a speaker from the At-Large Community who has been involved in discussions around supporting underserved communities in gTLD applications.

3. Regional Experts & Business/Tech/Government Representatives

• Fuad Bajwa
• Layal Jebran
• Ibrahim Al mawali

MEAC representatives who can highlight the specific challenges in the Middle East.


Session Description & Agenda

Session Title Suggestion:

“Bridging the Digital Divide: The ICANN Applicant Support Program & Opportunities for Middle East Entrepreneurs”

Session Description:

This session will explore ICANN’s Applicant Support Program (ASP) as a key opportunity for individuals, businesses, and organisations in the Middle East to apply for and operate a new gTLD. Given the financial and technical challenges associated with gTLD applications, the ASP aims to enable participation from under-represented regions. The discussion will provide insights into eligibility criteria, the application process, and lessons learnt from previous rounds. It will also highlight potential opportunities and challenges for Middle East-based applicants in the upcoming New gTLD Program: Next Round.

Session Agenda:
1. Welcome & Introduction (5 min): Overview of the session objectives.
2. Understanding the ASP (15 min): ICANN staff present the goals, eligibility, and mechanics of the program.
3. Insights from the Community (10 min): Past applicants or At-Large/ALAC perspectives on barriers to entry and possible improvements.
4. Panel Discussion, Opportunities & Challenges in the Middle East (20 min): Panellists discuss how ASP can benefit the region, success stories, and what support is needed.
5. Q&A and Next Steps (10 min): Open discussion with the audience on how regional stakeholders can prepare for the next round.

Best regards.

Abdulrahman Abotaleb